Suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a textile coil



June 21, 1966 s. FURST SUCTION DEVICE FOR WITHDRAWING A STARTING LENGTH OF YARN FROM A TEXTILE COIL Filed March 25. 1964 \gi si i IIIIlnllllllrlldlllllllnlillAll /NVEN70P United States Patent -Filed Mar. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 353,692 Claims priority, application Germany, Mar. 26, 1963,

Claims. Cl. 242-356) My invention relates to a suction device for seeking and withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a coil of yarn from above the tip of the coil core.

It is of course well known to withdrawn a starting length of yarn from -a textile coil by means of a suction tube, however difliculty arises in limiting the length of the yarn which is thus withdrawn.

It has also been known to limit the yarn length by connecting a structural member to the outer surface of the coil so that the yarn can only be unwound up to this structural member. However, a structural member of this type is unable to be used in all cases.

In my copending patent application Serial No. 243,546, filed December 10, 1962, now Patent No. 3,203,634, I provide a suction device for withdrawing astarting length of yarn from a textile coil which employs a curved suction tube having a slot at the location of the smallest radius of curvature of the tube. With this device the length of yarn that is Withdrawn is limited by a sensing member which detects the yarn in the suction tube air stream and which is connected to a device that prevents the further withdrawal of the yarn from the coil, for example a device of the type which interrupts the air stream. I have found, however, that by suitably forming the slot located at the position of the smallest radius of curvature of the tube, a sensing member for detecting the yarn in the air stream and a device controlled by this sensing member for preventing the further withdrawal of the yarn from the coil are no longer necessary.

It is accordingly an object of my invention to provide a relatively simplified suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a textile coil as compared with the known devices, and which does not require sensing members or auxiliary devices for preventing further withdrawal of the yarn.

To this end and in accordance with my invention, I provide a suction device for removing a starting length of yarn from a textile coil from above the tip of the coil core. having a slot that is located at the smallest radius of curvature of the tube. The slot extends in the direction of the tube opening within which the tip of the coil core is inserted down to at least approximately the level of the coil core tip. In such ,a device the yarn end .is drawn by the suction into the slot of the tube in a conventional manner. As soon as a yarn length is drawn so far into the slot that the yarn being unwound from the coil tip during the withdrawal is pulled at an acute angle with respect to the coil tip, the yarn can no longer be unwound from the coil tip. It is consequently being pulled approximately radially so that further withdrawal of the yarn is no longer possible.

Inaccordance with another aspect of my invention I provide such a suction device with a tube that is curved at least about 90", which has, been found to be particularly eflicient. For a tube of such curvature, the slot can extend from the opening of the tube about the curve thereof approximately back to the level of the coil core tip.

Generally, the sharp bend in the yarn at the inner end of the slot sut'tices to firmly hold the yarn in the tube when the tube is either removed from the coil or the coil This suction device includes a curved suction tube 3,257,083 Patented June 21, 1966 ice is removed from the tube. In order, however, to ensure 7 that the yarn will not slip out of the tube under these conditions, in accordance with a further aspect of my invention, the end which is farthest away from the coil is formed with a wedge shape.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set-forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a textile coil, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following'description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal view, partly in section, of one embodiment of the suction device constructed in accordance with my'invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section of another embodiment of the suction device;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line III-III in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is yet another embodiment of the suction de vice constructed in accordance with my invention; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modifica-.

tion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 taken along the line VV in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a textile coil 1 having .a core or quill 3. A tube 4 which serves as a guide for the suction flow is provided with a flaring nozzle opening 5 that is in registry with the coil 1 during operation and surrounds and is spaced from the coil. A slot 6 is formed in the tube 4 at the location of the smallest radius of curvature or inner bight thereof. The yarn end is raised from the coil windings by the air current flowing in the direction of the arrow 7 and is then withdrawn along a path represented by the line 8a. The further the yarn projects into the tube 4, the stronger is the force .With which the yarn end is drawn through the slot 6 gradually passing through intermediate positions represented by the lines 8b and until it finally assumes the position of the line 8d.

It is readily discernible that in the position of the yarn at 8d, it can no longer be withdrawn from the tip of the coil core'3 since it would be too sharply bent at an angle to the tip of the coil core and can consequently no longer be unwound from the core tip. It is apparent that the criterion for limiting the further Withdrawal of the yarn lies in the length of the slot 6 extending in the direction toward the tube nozzle opening 5. Limiting the further withdrawal of the yarn is possible only if the slot extends at least approximately up to the tip of the coil core, since the withdrawal angle from the tip then becomes too small. Even if the slot, however, actually extends up to the tube opening 5 proper this does not have any harmful effect. In such a case, the yarn would be pulled approximately radially from the coil 1 so that further withdrawal of the yarn in such a case is also no longer possible.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the textile coil -1 in the form of a cop is provided with a reserve winding 2 of .a few yarn turns on the tip of the coil core 3 above the main wound coil. In such a case, it -is sufiicient that the open end 5 of the suction tube 4, as shown inFIG. 2, is located approximately at the upper level of the main coil winding on the coil 1. The air current flowing in the direction of the arrow 7 also in this case first withdraws the yarn from the reserve winding 2 along the path represented by the line 8a. The farther the yarn extends into the tube 4, such as in the positions of the lines 8b and 8c, the stronger is the force which draws the yarn through the slot 6 until the yarn comes to rest in the position of the line 8d.

The invention is not limited to the seeking and withdrawing of the yarn exclusively by suction means. It is possible to use devices within the scope of my invention in which the yarn end, that is the reverse winding, is initially seized and withdrawn by mechanical means and' thereafter removed by suction means from the mechanical seizing device. A specific example of a mechanical device of this type is shown in FIG. 3 in conjunction with the embodiment of the suction device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines IIIIII of FIG. 2 in the direction of the arrows. In order to mount or fasten the mechanical seizing and withdrawing device, an extension 13 with a pin 12 projecting therefrom can for example be provided at the opening of the suction tube 4. As shown in FIG. 3, between the main winding of the coil .1 and thereserve win-ding 2 on the tip of the coil core 3 shown in cross section, a pair of grippers is provided for gripping the core 3. Both jaws of the gripper 10 are pivotally connected on the pin 12 and are biased by a spring 11 against the core 3. The gripper 10 has an opening extending in the direction of the slot 6 which is formed in the tube 4, so that the yarn can slip through the same. If the gripper 10 and/ or the coil 1 are relatively displaced in the axial direction of the coil so that the gripper 10 is located at the core tip 3, the gripper thus strips the reserve windings 2 from the tip of the core. The reserve windings that are stripped off the core are then seized by the air stream and, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, are withdrawn into the tube 4. Then the yarn in this case is also drawn into the slot 6 of the tube so that the further unwinding and withdrawal of the main coil are prevented.

Yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with my invention is shown in FIG. 4. In this figure, the yarn end of the textile coil 1 is initially disposed within an axial bore 3a of the coil core 3. The tube 4 is located in this case with its opening 5 substantially at a level with the very tip of the core 3. The yarn is consequently first sucked out of the bore 3a while substantially no tensile forces are applied to the yarn coming from the main spool winding of the coil .1. The yarn is at first drawn to a position corresponding to the line 8a, and thereafter to a position corresponding to the line 8b extending through the slot 6 of the tube 4. After the yarn is entirely withdrawn from the bore 3a of the core, it

assumes a position substantially conforming to the position of the line 8d.

In FIG. 5 there is shown a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 4 which is equally applicable to the .embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the end of the slot 6 which is farther from the tube opening 5 has a wedge shape into which the yarn end is drawn and wedged by the suction, and which prevents the yarn end from slipping out of the tube.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the end of the slot 6 more distant from the open end 5 of the curved suction tube 4 is substantially in transverse alignment with the tip of the yarn coil core 3. In FIGS. 1 and 4, the end of the slot 6 closer to the open end 5 is radially aligned with the tip of the coil core 3. In FIGS. 2 and 4, the end of the slot 6 closer to the open end 5 is actually located at the very end opening 5.

As aforementioned, the device of my invention can be constructed in many different ways. It is of particular importance that the bend of the tube be quite large, it being advantageous for the most common coil-s that the tube be bent at least in an arc of A larger bend than that of shown in the embodiments illustrated in the drawings is also possible and has no adverse effect on the operation of the devices constructed in accordance with my invention.

I claim:

1. A suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a yarn coil, comprising a suction tube having a curved end portion defining an inner bight, the end portion of said tube having an end opening which, during operation, is in registry with the yarn coil, at least the tip of the yarn coil core being surrounded by said end portion at said end opening with clearance for sucking the starting length of yarn into said tube, the inner bight of said curved end portion being formed with an elongated slot to be traversed by the starting length of yarn, said slot being located so as to define for the length of yarn a path along a geometrical chord of said inner bight, the end of said elongated slot closer to said end opening being substantially in radial alignment with the tip of the coil core, whereby the starting length of yarn is withdrawn so far into said slot as to form an angle with respect to the coil core tip preventing further withdrawal of the length of yarn from the yarn coil.

2. Suction device according to claim 1, wherein said suction tube end portion is curved in an arc of at least 90.

3. A suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a yarn coil, comprising a suction tube having a curved end portion defining an inner bight, the end portion of said tube having an end opening which, during operation, is in registry with the yarn coil, at least the tip of the yarn coil core being surrounded by said end portion at said end opening with clearance for sucking the starting length of yarn into said tube, the inner bight of said curved end portion being formed with an elongated slot to be traversed by the starting length of yarn, said slot being located so as to define for the length of yarn a path along a geometrical chord of said inner bight, the end of said elongated slot more distant from said end opening being substantially in transverse alignment with the tip of the coil core and the other end of said elongated slot being located at the end open-ing of said tube end portion, whereby the starting length of yarn is withdrawn so far into said slot as to form an angle with respect to the coil core tip preventing further withdrawal of the length of yarn from the yarn coil.

4. A suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a yarn coil, comprising a suction tube having a curved end portion defining an inner bight, the end portion of said tube having an end opening which, during operation, is in registry with the yarn coil, at least the tip of the yarn coil core being surrounded by said end portion at said end opening with clearance for sucking the starting length of yarn into said tube, the inner bight of said curved end portion being formed with an elongated slot to be traversed by the starting length of yarn, said slot being located so as to define for the length of yarn a path along a geometrical chord of said inner bight, the end of said elongated slot more distant from said end opening having a wedge shape and the end of said elongated slot closer to said end opening being substantially in radial alignment with the tip of the coil core, whereby the starting length of yarn is withdrawn so far into said slot as to form an angle with respect to the coil core tip preventing further withdrawal of the length of yarn from the yarn coil.

5. A suction device for withdrawing a starting length of yarn from a yarn coil, comprising a suction tube having a curved end portion defining an inner bight, said curved end portion having an end opening which, during operation, is in registry with and above a substantially upright yarn coil, at least the tip of the yarn coil core being surrounded by-sa-id end portion at said end opening with clearance for sucking the starting length of yarn into said tube, the inner bight of said curved end portion being formed with a slot to be traversed by the starting length of yarn, said slot defining a path for the length of yarn along a geometrical chord of said inner bight, and extending toward said tube end opening substantially to at least the level of the tip of the yarn coil core'whereby the starting length of yarn is withdrawn so far into said slot as to form an angle with respect to the coil core tip preventing further withdrawal of the length of yarn 'from the yarn coil.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS MERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner.

STANLEY N. GILREATH, Examiner. 

1. A SUCTION DEVICE FOR WITHDRAWING A STARTING LENGTH OF YARN FROM A YARN COIL, COMPRISING A SUCTION TUBE HAVING A CURVED END PORTION DEFINING AN INNER BIGHT, THE END PORTION OF SAID TUBE HAVING AN END OPENING WHICH, DURING OPERATION, IS IN REGISTRY WITH THE YARN COIL, AT LEAST THE TIP OF THE YARN COIL CORE BENG SURROUNDED BY SAID END PORTION AT SAID END OPENING WITH CLEARANCE FOR SUCKING THE STARTING LENGTH OF YARN INTO SAID TUBE, THE INNER BIGHT OF SAID CURVED END PORTION BEING FORMED WITH AN ELONGATED SLOT TO BE TRANSVERSE BY THE STARTING LENGTH OF YARN, SAID SLOT BEING LOCATED SO AS TO DEFINE FOR THE LENGTH OF YARN A PATH ALONG A GOEMETRICAL CHORD OF SAID INNER BIGHT, THE END OF SAID ELONGATED SLOT CLOSER TO SAID END OPENING BEING SUBSTANTIALLY IN RADIAL ALIGNMENT WITH THE TIP OF THE CORE, WHEREBY THE STARTING LENGTH OF YARN IS WITHDRAWN SO FAR INTO SAID SLOT AS TO FORM AN ANGLE WITH RESPECT TO THE COIL CORE TIP PREVENTING FURTHER WITHDRAWAL OF THE LENGTH OF YARN FROM THE YARN COIL. 